Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A dishwashing system, comprising: a conveyor-type dishwasher that washes tableware in a washing chamber of a washing machine main body while conveying the tableware by means of a conveyor; the conveyor comprises: a first conveyor section; a second conveyor section; a relay conveyor section that relays the tableware between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section; a robot device including a robot arm mechanism that is installed in the vicinity of a picking area to pick up the tableware that is conveyed to the picking area from the washing chamber by the conveyor, and transfer the tableware to a stock area; and a control device that is configured to generate an enabling signal relating to operations of the conveyor with respect to the dishwasher, wherein: the control device generates the enabling signal when the tableware is not present in the picking area or when a number of pieces of the tableware is equal to or less than a predetermined number; the first conveyor section conveys the tableware in the washing chamber of the washing machine main body, the second conveyor section conveys the tableware that is washed in the washing chamber to the picking area, and the relay conveyor section moves alternatively in operative association with the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section.
This invention relates to a dishwashing system designed to improve efficiency in commercial dishwashing operations. The system addresses the challenge of automating the transfer of tableware from a conveyor-type dishwasher to a stock area, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operation. The dishwashing system includes a conveyor-type dishwasher with a washing chamber where tableware is washed while being conveyed by a multi-section conveyor. The conveyor comprises a first section for conveying tableware within the washing chamber, a second section for transporting washed tableware to a picking area, and a relay section that alternately operates in conjunction with the first and second sections to facilitate the transfer. A robot device with a robot arm mechanism is positioned near the picking area to pick up washed tableware and transfer it to a stock area. A control device generates an enabling signal to regulate conveyor operations, ensuring the conveyor only operates when the picking area is clear or when the number of tableware pieces is at or below a predetermined threshold. This prevents overloading and ensures continuous, efficient dishwashing and transfer operations. The system enhances productivity by automating the handling of tableware, reducing manual labor, and optimizing workflow in commercial dishwashing environments.
2. The dishwashing system according to claim 1 , wherein: when the dishwasher receives the enabling signal, the second conveyor section moves a distance that is equivalent to a length of the picking area.
A dishwashing system is designed to automate the cleaning of dishes, particularly in commercial or industrial settings where high throughput is required. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently moving dishes through a washing process while ensuring proper alignment and positioning for cleaning. The system includes a conveyor with multiple sections, including a picking area where dishes are loaded onto the conveyor. When an enabling signal is received, the second conveyor section moves a predetermined distance equivalent to the length of the picking area. This movement ensures that dishes are properly positioned for subsequent cleaning stages, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of misalignment or jamming. The system may also include sensors or control mechanisms to detect the presence of dishes and trigger the movement of the conveyor sections accordingly. The overall design aims to streamline the dishwashing process, minimize manual intervention, and enhance cleaning performance.
3. The dishwashing system according to claim 1 , wherein: when the dishwasher receives the enabling signal, the relay conveyor moves in operative association with movement of the second conveyor.
A dishwashing system is designed to automate the cleaning of dishes in a commercial or industrial setting. The system addresses the inefficiency and labor-intensive nature of manual dishwashing processes, particularly in high-volume environments like restaurants or cafeterias. The system includes a primary conveyor for transporting dishes through a washing station and a secondary conveyor for moving dishes to a drying or collection area. A relay conveyor is positioned between these two conveyors to facilitate smooth and synchronized transfer of dishes between them. When the dishwasher receives an enabling signal, the relay conveyor operates in coordination with the secondary conveyor, ensuring seamless movement of dishes without interruption. This synchronization prevents jams, reduces manual intervention, and improves overall efficiency. The system may also include sensors or control mechanisms to detect dish presence and adjust conveyor speeds accordingly, further optimizing the washing and drying processes. The relay conveyor's coordinated movement with the secondary conveyor enhances throughput and reliability, making the system suitable for continuous operation in demanding environments.
4. The dishwashing system according to claim 1 , wherein: when the dishwasher receives the enabling signal, the relay conveyor and the second conveyor move a distance that is equivalent to a machine length thereof, respectively.
A dishwashing system is designed to automate the movement of dishes through a dishwashing machine. The system addresses the inefficiency of manual dish handling, which can be slow and labor-intensive. The system includes a relay conveyor and a second conveyor that transport dishes into and out of the dishwashing machine. When the dishwasher receives an enabling signal, the relay conveyor and the second conveyor each move a distance equivalent to the length of the machine. This ensures precise alignment and synchronization of the conveyors with the dishwasher's operational cycle, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of misalignment or jamming. The system may also include sensors or control mechanisms to detect dish positions and adjust conveyor movement accordingly. The conveyors are designed to handle dishes of varying sizes and shapes, ensuring compatibility with different dishwashing tasks. The overall system enhances automation in commercial or industrial dishwashing environments, reducing manual intervention and increasing throughput.
5. The dishwashing system according to claim 1 , wherein: when the tableware is not present on the relay conveyor, the washing machine main body executes a washing operation, and the first conveyor moves in operative association with movement of the relay conveyor.
6. The dishwashing system according to claim 5 , wherein: when the tableware is present on the relay conveyor, the washing machine main body stops, and the first conveyor stops together with the relay conveyor.
A dishwashing system is designed to efficiently clean tableware in commercial or industrial settings, addressing the need for automated, high-throughput washing while minimizing downtime and energy consumption. The system includes a washing machine main body with a first conveyor that transports tableware through the washing process. A relay conveyor is positioned to receive tableware from the first conveyor and temporarily hold it when the washing machine main body is stopped. This relay conveyor ensures continuous operation by buffering tableware during pauses, preventing bottlenecks. When tableware is present on the relay conveyor, the washing machine main body halts, and the first conveyor stops in synchronization with the relay conveyor. This coordinated stopping mechanism prevents overloading and ensures smooth operation by allowing the system to resume only when the relay conveyor is clear. The system optimizes workflow by dynamically adjusting conveyor movement based on tableware presence, reducing idle time and improving efficiency. The relay conveyor acts as an intermediate buffer, enabling seamless transitions between washing cycles and minimizing disruptions. This design enhances productivity in high-volume dishwashing environments by maintaining a steady flow of tableware while accommodating operational pauses.
7. The dishwashing system according to claim 1 , wherein the robot device comprises: the robot arm mechanism; a camera that photographs the picking area; an image processing section that processes an image of the picking area that is photographed by the camera, and determines whether or not the tableware is present, a kind of the tableware, a position of the tableware, and a posture of the tableware; a release position determining section that determines a release position on the stock area based on a kind of the tableware, and a number of stacked pieces of the tableware in the stock area; a picking operation control section that controls a picking operation by the robot arm mechanism based on the pick-up position and the release position; and an output section that, when the tableware is not present in the picking area or when a number of pieces of the tableware is equal to or less than a predetermined number, outputs to the control device a signal indicating that the tableware is not present in the picking area or that a number of pieces of the tableware is equal to or less than a predetermined number.
The invention relates to an automated dishwashing system that uses a robot device to handle tableware. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently and accurately picking up, identifying, and organizing tableware for washing. The robot device includes a camera that captures images of a designated picking area where tableware is placed. An image processing section analyzes these images to detect the presence of tableware, identify its type, determine its position, and assess its posture. A release position determining section then decides where to place the tableware in a stock area based on its type and the number of already stacked pieces in that area. A picking operation control section directs the robot arm mechanism to perform the picking and placing actions according to the determined positions. Additionally, an output section sends signals to a control device if no tableware is detected in the picking area or if the quantity is below a predefined threshold, ensuring timely intervention or adjustments. The system automates the dishwashing workflow, improving efficiency and reducing manual labor.
8. The dishwashing system according to claim 7 , wherein the robot device further comprises: a reflection-type photoelectric sensor that is installed at a release position on the stock area; and a counting section that counts a number of releases for each release position of the stock area as a number of stacked pieces of the tableware, and resets a count value to zero when the reflection-type photoelectric sensor enters an off state.
This invention relates to a dishwashing system that automates the handling and washing of tableware. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently tracking and managing tableware items in a stock area before they are washed. The robot device in the system includes a reflection-type photoelectric sensor installed at a release position within the stock area. This sensor detects the presence or absence of tableware items at the release position. The system also includes a counting section that monitors the sensor and counts the number of times tableware items are released at each release position. This count corresponds to the number of stacked pieces of tableware. When the photoelectric sensor detects an absence of tableware (entering an off state), the counting section resets the count value to zero, ensuring accurate tracking of tableware inventory. This feature helps maintain an organized and efficient workflow in the dishwashing process by dynamically updating the count of tableware items as they are processed. The system improves operational efficiency by automating the tracking of tableware, reducing manual intervention, and ensuring accurate inventory management.
9. The dishwashing system according to claim 7 , wherein the robot device further comprises: another camera that photographs the stock area; and a counting section that counts a number of releases for each release position of the stock area as a number of stacked pieces of the tableware, and resets a count value to zero based on a result of image processing of an image of the stock area that is photographed by the other camera.
A dishwashing system includes a robot device designed to automate the handling and cleaning of tableware. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently managing tableware stock, particularly in high-volume settings like restaurants or commercial kitchens, by tracking and organizing tableware pieces before and after washing. The robot device is equipped with a camera that photographs a designated stock area where tableware is stored. A counting section within the system monitors the number of tableware releases at specific positions in the stock area, tracking how many pieces are stacked at each location. To ensure accurate counting, the system resets the count value to zero based on image processing of the photographed stock area. This ensures that the system maintains an up-to-date inventory of tableware, preventing miscounts and improving operational efficiency. The camera and counting mechanism work together to provide real-time data on tableware availability, allowing the system to optimize washing cycles and reduce manual intervention. The integration of visual inspection and automated counting enhances the system's reliability in managing tableware stock, making it suitable for environments where precise tracking is essential.
10. The dishwashing system according to claim 7 , wherein the robot device further comprises: a user operation section; and a counting section that counts a number of releases for each release position of the stock area as a number of stacked pieces of the tableware, and resets a count value to zero in accordance with an operation performed at the user operation section.
A dishwashing system includes a robot device designed to automate the handling and washing of tableware. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently managing and tracking tableware in a stock area, particularly in commercial or high-volume settings where manual counting is impractical. The robot device is equipped with a user operation section, allowing users to interact with the system, and a counting section that monitors the number of times tableware is released from specific positions within the stock area. This counting mechanism tracks the number of stacked pieces of tableware at each release position, providing real-time inventory data. The count value can be reset to zero through an operation performed at the user operation section, ensuring accurate tracking and preventing errors from accumulated counts. This feature enhances operational efficiency by automating inventory management and reducing the need for manual intervention. The system is particularly useful in environments where precise tracking of tableware usage and stock levels is critical for maintaining smooth operations.
11. The dishwashing system according to claim 8 , wherein: the release position determining section moves the release position when a number of stacked pieces of the tableware reaches a predetermined number of pieces.
A dishwashing system is designed to improve the efficiency of loading and unloading tableware in commercial dishwashing environments. The system addresses the challenge of managing tableware stacks, particularly when they reach a certain height, to prevent instability or operational disruptions. The system includes a release position determining section that dynamically adjusts the position where tableware is released from a conveyor or stacking mechanism. This adjustment occurs when the number of stacked tableware pieces reaches a predetermined threshold, ensuring that the stack remains stable and does not exceed safe or functional limits. The system may also incorporate sensors or counters to monitor the stack height or count, triggering the position adjustment automatically. By dynamically repositioning the release point, the system optimizes stacking efficiency while maintaining safety and operational reliability. This feature is particularly useful in high-volume dishwashing operations where consistent and controlled stacking is critical. The system may further include additional mechanisms for aligning or spacing tableware during stacking to enhance stability and prevent jams. The overall design aims to streamline dishwashing workflows by integrating intelligent stack management into the dishwashing process.
12. The dishwashing system according to claim 8 , wherein: the robot device further comprises a notification section that, when a number of stacked pieces of the tableware reaches a predetermined number of pieces, notifies a fact that a number of stacked pieces of the tableware reached a predetermined number of pieces by means of at least one of light, sound and vibration.
A dishwashing system includes a robot device designed to autonomously collect and transport tableware, such as plates, bowls, and utensils, from a dining area to a dishwashing station. The system addresses the inefficiency and labor-intensive nature of manual tableware collection, particularly in commercial or high-traffic settings like restaurants or cafeterias. The robot device is equipped with sensors and control mechanisms to detect and retrieve tableware, ensuring timely and organized transport to the dishwashing station. The robot device further includes a notification system that alerts users when the number of stacked tableware pieces reaches a predetermined threshold. This notification is provided through at least one of visual (light), auditory (sound), or haptic (vibration) signals. The notification system ensures that the dishwashing process is initiated promptly, preventing overloading and maintaining operational efficiency. The robot device may also include a stacking mechanism to organize tableware neatly before transport, further optimizing the dishwashing workflow. This system enhances automation in food service environments, reducing manual labor and improving overall productivity.
13. The dishwashing system according to claim 1 , wherein: the robot arm mechanism is a polar coordinates-type mechanism that includes a linear extension and retraction mechanism.
A dishwashing system is designed to automate the cleaning of dishes, addressing the inefficiency and labor-intensive nature of manual dishwashing. The system includes a robot arm mechanism that moves in polar coordinates, allowing precise positioning and movement in a radial and angular direction. This mechanism incorporates a linear extension and retraction component, enabling the arm to extend outward to reach dishes and retract for repositioning or storage. The polar coordinates-type mechanism ensures accurate and controlled movement, optimizing the cleaning process by efficiently navigating the workspace. The linear extension and retraction feature enhances flexibility, allowing the arm to adapt to different dish sizes and positions within the workspace. This design improves cleaning efficiency, reduces manual labor, and ensures thorough cleaning coverage. The system may also include additional components such as a cleaning nozzle, water supply, and control system to further automate the dishwashing process. The integration of the polar coordinates-type robot arm with the linear extension and retraction mechanism provides a robust solution for automated dishwashing, enhancing productivity and consistency in commercial or industrial settings.
14. A robot device, comprising: a robot arm mechanism that is installed in the vicinity of a picking area to pick up a work piece in the picking area and transfer the work piece to a stock area; a camera that photographs the picking area; an image processing section that processes an image of the picking area that is photographed by the camera, and determines whether or not the work piece is present, a kind of the work piece, a position of the work piece, and a posture of the work piece; a release position determining section that determines a release position on the stock area based on a kind of the work piece, and a number of stacked pieces of the work piece in the stock area; a picking operation control section that controls a picking operation by the robot arm mechanism based on the pick-up position and the release position; an output section that, when the work piece is not present in the picking area or when a number of pieces of the work piece is equal to or less than a predetermined number, outputs a signal indicating that the work piece is not present in the picking area or that a number of pieces of the work piece is equal to or less than a predetermined number to an external device, a conveyor-type dishwasher that washes tableware in a washing chamber of a washing machine main body while conveying the tableware by means of a conveyor; and the conveyor comprises: a first conveyor section; a second conveyor section; a relay conveyor section that relays the tableware between the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section; a control device that is configured to generates an enabling signal relating to operations of the conveyor with respect to the dishwasher, wherein: the control device generate the enabling signal when the tableware is not present in the picking the first conveyor section conveys the tableware in the washing chamber of the washing machine main body, the second conveyor section conveys the tableware that is washed in the washing chamber to the picking area, and the relay conveyor section moves alternatively in operative association with the first conveyor section and the second conveyor section.
15. The robot device according to claim 14 , further comprising: a reflection-type photoelectric sensor that is installed at a release position on the stock area; and a counting section that counts a number of releases for each release position of the stock area as a number of stacked pieces of the work piece, and resets a count value to zero when the reflection-type photoelectric sensor enters an off state.
This invention relates to a robot device for handling work pieces, particularly in a stock area where work pieces are stacked. The problem addressed is accurately tracking the number of stacked work pieces at different release positions within the stock area to ensure proper inventory management and prevent errors in counting. The robot device includes a reflection-type photoelectric sensor installed at each release position in the stock area. This sensor detects the presence or absence of work pieces at the release position. A counting section is integrated into the device to monitor and count the number of work pieces released at each specific position. The counting section increments the count value each time a work piece is released and stacked at the designated position. When the photoelectric sensor detects an absence of work pieces (entering an off state), the count value for that position is reset to zero, indicating that the stack has been cleared or removed. This system ensures accurate tracking of work piece inventory by dynamically updating the count based on real-time sensor data, preventing miscounts due to manual errors or environmental factors. The reset functionality allows the system to maintain accurate records even after stacks are cleared, ensuring reliable inventory management.
16. The robot device according to claim 14 , further comprising: another camera that photographs the stock area; and a counting section that counts a number of releases for each release position of the stock area as a number of stacked work pieces, and resets a count value to zero based on a result of image processing of an image of the stock area that is photographed by the other camera.
17. The robot device according to claim 14 , further comprising: a user operation section; and a counting section that counts a number of releases for each release position of the stock area as a number of stacked pieces of the work piece, and resets a count value to zero in accordance with an operation performed at the user operation section.
18. The robot device according to claim 15 , wherein: the release position determining section moves the release position when a number of stacked pieces of the work piece reaches a predetermined number of pieces.
19. The robot device according to claim 15 , further comprising: a notification section that, when a number of stacked pieces of the work piece reaches a predetermined number of pieces, notifies a fact that a number of stacked pieces of the work piece reached a predetermined number of pieces by means of at least one of light, sound and vibration.
20. The robot device according to claim 14 , wherein: the robot arm mechanism is a polar coordinates-type mechanism that includes a linear extension and retraction mechanism.
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February 2, 2021
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